7NEWS Spotlight Pauline Hanson special draws winning audience — Seven says its 7NEWS Spotlight special on Pauline Hanson was the most-watched current affairs program of the night.
The episode drew a national total TV audience of 753,000 and reached 1.35 million Australians across Seven and 7plus.
For Seven, the result gives 7NEWS Spotlight a stronger position in the Sunday current affairs contest. It also shows how political interview specials can still draw a sizeable national audience when packaged as event television.
Seven says the Pauline Hanson special was 7NEWS Spotlight‘s biggest audience this season. The network says it beat its closest rival by 51%, or more than 250,000 viewers.
The episode also lifted 33% year-on-year in total TV, including what Seven described as a 173% surge on 7plus.
Pauline Hanson interview draws audience
The television exclusive followed Senator Hanson from Australia to the UK, where 7NEWS Spotlight correspondent Liam Bartlett was granted access as she met key figures from Britain’s far right.
The program also examined the future direction of One Nation. In the interview, Bartlett challenged Hanson on issues including immigration and social cohesion.
7NEWS Spotlight Executive Producer Rahni Sadler said the episode took viewers beyond the headlines and provided insight into one of Australia’s most polarising political figures.
Sadler said the program delivered exclusive access, accountability and storytelling designed to drive the national agenda.
Seven News wins Sunday bulletin
Earlier on Sunday night, 7NEWS also won the 6.00pm news timeslot.
Seven says the Sunday bulletin reached 2.15 million people and recorded a national total TV audience of 1.4 million, finishing 89,000 viewers ahead of its closest rival.
7NEWS Spotlight Presents: Pauline Goes Global is available to stream now on Seven and 7plus.
For more Channel 7 stories, visit TV Central’s Channel 7 section. Watch 7NEWS Spotlight through 7NEWS Spotlight.
